Rapid cord fastener

ABSTRACT

A fastener assembly for securing a string and/or netting includes a cord fastener and a cord. A cord fastener includes: a body including a base wall; a clasp disposed on the base wall; and an opening disposed on the base wall and spaced apart from the clasp. The base wall has a curved surface between the clasp and the opening. A cord is detachably coupled to the cord fastener and extends through at least one of the clasp or the opening.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/241,672, filed Apr. 27, 2021, which claims the benefit of andpriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/016,394, filedApr. 28, 2020, both of which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties and for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to fasteners used to securelines, netting, or other cordage to structural components.

BACKGROUND

In various applications, it may be desirable to attach string, lines,and/or netting to a post or frame structure. For example, goal postsused in soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, and other sports often include anet or netting draped across a frame. The netting captures an object(e.g., ball, puck, etc.) when a goal is scored. The netting may besecured to the frame using bendable wires, zip ties, etc. With respectto lacrosse nets, for example, a long piece of cord may be wrapped inmultiple loops around the netting and the goal post. However, thesemethods of attachment are time intensive, and are not well suited toquick removal of the netting after a sporting event. Moreover, thefasteners used to secure the netting to the frame are not easilyadjustable, making it difficult to center the netting, or reposition thenetting during use.

SUMMARY

An apparatus for securing a sports net to a supporting frame includes arugged cord that can be wrapped around the supporting frame and throughthe sports net. The device also includes a fastener that securely andpermanently fastens the net to the goal frame. The device may alsoinclude a snap-in fastener and/or tightener that makes for easiermanipulation of the cord around the goal and the net.

At least one embodiment relates to an assembly that includes a cordfastener and a cord. The cord fastener includes a clasp defining a firstopening and a second opening spaced apart from the clasp. The cord isdetachably coupled to the cord fastener, and includes a first endextending through the second opening, and a second end insertable intothe clasp. The clasp is configured to allow the cord to be pulledthrough the clasp in a first direction, and to substantially prevent thecord from being pulled in a second direction opposite the firstdirection. In some embodiments, the clasp includes a plurality offingers that extend at an angle relative to a central axis of the secondopening.

Another embodiment relates to a cord fastener that includes a body and aclasp. The body includes a wall defining a first opening. The firstopening is sized to receive a cord therein. The clasp is disposed alongthe wall and is spaced apart from the first opening. The clasp isconfigured to detachably couple a cord to the body. The clasp is furtherconfigured to allow the cord to be pulled through the clasp in a firstdirection, and to substantially prevent the cord from being pulled in asecond direction opposite the first direction.

Yet another embodiment relates to a cord fastener that includes a body,a first clasp, and a second clasp. The body has a wall. The first claspis disposed on the wall and is sized to receive a cord therein. Thesecond clasp is disposed on the wall and spaced apart from the firstclasp. The second clasp is configured to detachably couple the cord tothe wall, and to substantially prevent the cord from retracting out ofthe second clasp after insertion into the second clasp.

This summary is illustrative only and should not be regarded aslimiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The disclosure will become more fully understood from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cord fastening system, according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cord fastener portion of the system ofFIG. 1 , according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cord fastener, according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the cord fastener of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the cord fastener of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 6 is a side view of the cord fastener of FIG. 3 .

FIGS. 7-9 show the cord fastener of FIG. 3 in various stages ofinstallation, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cord fastener, according to anotherexample embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the cord fastener of FIG. 10 .

FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the cord fastener of FIG. 10 .

FIG. 13 is a side view of the cord fastener of FIG. 10 .

FIGS. 14-16 show the cord fastener of FIG. 10 in various stages ofinstallation, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a partially exploded perspective view of a cord fastenerassembly, according to still another example embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the cord fastener assembly of FIG. 17 .

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of a base portion of the cord fastenerassembly of FIG. 17 .

FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view of the base portion of FIG. 19 .

FIG. 21 is a top perspective view of a lock portion of the cord fastenerassembly of FIG. 17 .

FIG. 22 is a bottom perspective view of the lock portion of FIG. 21 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the Figures, which illustrate certain exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentdisclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in thedescription or illustrated in the Figures. It should also be understoodthat the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description onlyand should not be regarded as limiting.

Nets or netting, each of these terms are used interchangeably herein,are coupled to frames or support structures for a variety ofapplications, such as creating goals for sporting games. Existing goalstructures for sports such as soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, and othersuse a support frame that is disposed on a playing field. These supportframes are typically made of wood posts or metal tubing having base endsthat may be permanently buried in the ground or embedded in concrete toprevent their removal and/or to increase the overall strength of thegoal structure. Alternatively, these support frames may simply rest upona support surface, such as a playing field, to enable a relative ease ofmovement of the structure into or out of various desired geographicareas. The netting is attached to the frame and catches balls and/orother objects passing through an opening of the frame (i.e., between thegoal posts of the frame). In most instances, the sports netting is notpermanently attached to the support frame, but rather is onlytemporarily connected to the support frame for the duration of an event(e.g., a sports season, a weekend, a single game, etc.). The netting maythen be removed to reduce weather-related damage to the netting and toreduce the risk of vandalism when the goal posts are not being used.However, existing methods for securing netting to a support frame aretime consuming and rely on knotting, wrapping, and/or other fasteningmethods that complicate removal of the netting from the frame. Moreover,alternative fasteners, such as zip ties, are not reusable and mustgenerally be cut or destroyed to reposition the netting or to remove thenetting from the frame. It would be advantageous to provide a system,method, and device that addresses the foregoing issues, and simplifiesthe process of attaching and detaching a netting to a support frame.

Referring to the Figures generally, the present disclosure relates to acord fastener and cord fastener assembly that can be used to quickly andsecurely couple string, lines, and/or netting to a support structure,without requiring knots and other traditional mechanical fasteningtechniques. The cord fastener (e.g., a grip piece, a grip, a retainer,fixator, coupler, coupling device, retention mechanism, holder, etc.) iscoupled to a flexible cord (e.g., line, etc.) that is adjustablerelative to the cord fastener. A first portion of the cord extendsthrough an opening in the cord fastener and is movable relative to thecord fastener. The cord may also include an end piece (e.g., buckle,cap, bulge, etc.) that prevents the cord from completely retracting outfrom the grip piece. For example, the end piece may be of a larger sizethan the opening of the cord retainer such that the end piece is unableto pass through the opening. A second end of the cord is insertedthrough a clasp that is spaced apart from the first opening of the cordfastener. In one embodiment and as described herein, the clasp includesa plurality of flexible fingers that extend radially inward toward thecord and engage the cord. The fingers are configured to preventloosening and/or removal of the cord after a part of the cord is pulledthrough the clasp. During installation and after inserting the cordthrough the first opening, the cord is wrapped around (i) the string,line, and/or netting and (ii) a support member (e.g., goal post, etc.)in a single closed loop. Next, the second end of the cord is pulledthrough the clasp to cinch, hold, or otherwise retain the loop aroundthe support structure. In turn, the loop holds a portion of the nettingsecurably against the support frame.

To remove and/or loosen the cord fastener, a user may simply pull on thecord fastener, applying a greater force than was used in tensioning thecord, to force the cord back through the clasp. According to anotherembodiment described herein, the clasp may form part of a snap-inconnector that is detachably coupled to the cord fastener, whicheliminates the need to retract the cord through the clasp and maysimplify reattachment of the netting to the goal post

Among other benefits, the cord fastener assembly of the presentdisclosure allows for a relatively more rapid fastening operation andalso allows for quick removal should one of the cord fasteners failduring a sporting event. Additionally, the cord fastener assembly may beeasily adjusted to reposition the netting relative to the goal post.Further and as described herein, in at least one embodiment, at leastpart of the cord fastener is shaped to match the profile of the supportmember and increase the contact area between the cord fastener and thesupport member, which increases the overall holding force of the cordfastener assembly. It will be appreciated that the cord fastener of thepresent disclosure is not limited to sports applications, and may alsobe used to secure various other kinds of elements to a support structure(e.g., cylindrical member, etc.). For example, the cord fastener may beused in vehicular and maritime fastening applications, general cablemanagement applications, and the like. The cord fastener could also beused in the field of agriculture; for example, to fasten, hold, secure,or otherwise couple a plant (e.g., a plant stem, etc.) to a trellis,cage, sticks, and/or another support member, or in a variety of otherapplications. These and other features and benefits are explained morefully herein below.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-2 , a cord fastening system 50 for a sportsgoal is shown, according to an example embodiment. The cord fasteningsystem 50 includes a plurality cord fasteners 102 that secure a piece ofline and/or netting 5 onto a support member 7. The piece of line and/ornetting may include, for example, a length or piece of nylon cord, rope,and/or another type of netting material. The various examples providedherein should not be considered limiting. The cord fasteners 102 areshown in an installed position on the support member 7, and arepositioned along a length of the support member 7 in different relativepositions to ensure or likely ensure that the netting 5 is coupled alongthe entire or nearly the entire length of the support member 7. In otherembodiments, the relative positions of the cord fasteners 102 along thesupport member 7 and/or number of cord fasteners 102 may be differentthan the number of those depicted in FIG. 1 .

As shown, the cord fasteners 102 are coupled to a frame (e.g., supportstructure, etc.), which includes a support member 7. The support member7 couples to and at least partly supports the cord fasteners 102. In theexample shown, there are multiple support members 7. The support members7 at least partly form the frame. The frame may be of integralconstruction (a one-piece component) or formed from a plurality ofmembers or elements coupled together. In the example shown, a pluralityof members (e.g., bars, structures, etc.) including support members 7form the frame. In this example, the frame includes a pair of uprightsor substantially upright elements (e.g., posts, bars, tubes, rods, etc.)that are coupled to each other via a substantially horizontal elementextending between upper ends of the uprights. Additionally, the frameincludes rearwardly extending support members 7 that are coupled to theupright members and extend away from the uprights. The rearwardlyextending support members meet at an angle along a support surface.Together with the support surface (e.g., ground), the uprights andhorizontal element form an opening. In the sports application/embodimentdepicted, the opening serves as a target for players to, for example,kick a soccer ball into. Each of these members (e.g., the uprights, thehorizontal elements, the rearward extending members, etc.) are supportmembers 7 for the cord fasteners 102. In this way, the support member 7signifies a member that couples to the cord fastener shown and describedherein. It should be understood that in other embodiments, not all ofthe members/elements of the frame may be support members for the cordfasteners. Further, the goal/frame in other embodiments may have adifferent shape than that depicted (e.g., be cube-shaped). Thus, thedepicted goal/frame embodiment in FIG. 1 is not meant to be limiting.

The support member 7 may be a post, rod, pole, bar, and/or any othercomponent that couples to the cord fastener 102 to aid support of thenetting. The support member 7 may be made from metal, plastic, wood,and/or another suitable material. Thus, and in the example depicted, thesupport members 7 are substantially rigid (e.g., non-deforming orflexing). In other embodiments, the support member 7 may be a flexiblemember (e.g., another piece of netting, line, wire, etc.). In theexample shown, at least one of the support members 7 of the frame have acurved outer shape (e.g., circular cross-section, etc.) that matches orsubstantially matches the curve shape of the cord fasteners 102described herein. In other embodiments, a different shape for thesupport members 7 may be used. In this regard, a different shape of thecord fasteners may also be utilized then to match or substantially matchthat different shape of the support members.

In the example shown, the support members 7 at least partly form a framefor a sports application. In other embodiments, the support members 7are used in other applications with the cord fastener 102. For example,the support member may be used as a boat railing or a dock post in amarine application that holds a piece of line or netting. In yet anotherembodiment, the support member 7 may be a structural frame member of avehicle chassis, a mounting bracket, or another structural component ofa vehicle (e.g., for retaining electrical wires and plumbing themthrough the vehicle). In some embodiments, the cord fastener 102 may beused to secure other materials to the support member 7 in place of thenetting. For example, the netting may be replaced with rope, tubing, ora variety of other materials and/or components. For example, the cordfasteners 102 may be used to secure a bundle of wires together tofacilitate wire management in a variety of different applications. Inanother embodiment, the cord fasteners 102 may be used to secure a plantstem to a stick or another suitable support.

In operation and as alluded to above, the cord fastener 102 may retain acord (e.g., line, strap, rope, piece of netting, etc.) that wraps arounda part of the net and the support member 7 to couple the net to thesupport member 7 and frame.

With the above in mind, referring now to FIG. 3 , a perspective view ofone of the cord fasteners 102 of FIGS. 1-2 is shown in more detail. Asshown, the cord fastener 102 is part of an assembly 100 including a cord104 detachably (e.g., removably, etc.) coupled to the cord fastener 102.Together, the cord fastener 102 and the cord 104 define an open loop 108that is resizable by pulling at least one end of the cord 104 throughthe cord fastener 102. For example, the size of the loop may be reducedby pulling one end of the cord 104 axially away from the cord fastener102, and parallel to a central axis of an opening in the cord fastener102 (e.g., an opening through which the cord 104 extends). Inapplication, the loop 108 is positioned around or substantially around asupport member and a piece of line (e.g., string or other cordage),netting, or another item placed against the support member (as shown inFIGS. 1-2 ). The size of the loop 108 may be adjusted by pulling on asecond end (not shown) of the cord 104 to cinch the piece of line and/oranother material in place against the support member and tosubstantially prevent movement of the piece of line and/or anothermaterial relative to the support member. The cord fastener 102 engagesthe cord 104 and secures the loop 108 onto the support member (and thepiece of line and/or netting).

The cord 104 is detachably coupled to the cord fastener 102 and ismovable relative to the cord fastener 102. The cord 104 may made from avariety of different types of flexible and/or semi-flexible cordage. Forexample, the cord 104 may be rope or string made from manila,polypropylene, poly dacron, Kevlar™, nylon, polyester, or any othersuitably weatherproof and durable material. A length of the cord 104 maybe adjusted as needed to suit a wide variety of applications. In theembodiment of FIG. 3 , the assembly 100 also includes buckles 106 (e.g.,end pieces, etc.) that are disposed on opposing ends of the cord 104.The buckles 106 may be caps and/or sleeves that are rigidly coupled tothe cord 104. For example, at least one buckle 106 may be a closed endcap that is bonded to the cord ends using an adhesive product. In otherembodiments, the buckles 106 may be heat shrunk onto the cord ends or atan intermediate position between cord ends. In another embodiment, thebuckles 106 may be a metal strap that is crimped onto the cord 104. Thebuckles 106 may be made from plastic, metal, or another suitably rigidmaterial. In at least one embodiment, the buckles 106 prevent at leastone end of the cord 104 from being pulled out of at least onethrough-hole opening 114 in the cord fastener 102. For example, as shownin FIGS. 3-4 , an outer dimension 110 (e.g., diameter, etc.) of thebuckle 106 may be greater than an inner diameter 112 of the at least onethrough-hole opening 114 such that the buckle 106 cannot be pulledthrough the through-hole opening 114.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-6 , the cord fastener 102 includes a body 116and a clasp 118. In the embodiment of FIGS. 4-6 , the clasp 118 isintegrally formed with the body 116 as a unitary structure from a singlepiece of material (e.g., a single-piece component) such that the clasp118 cannot be removed from the body 116 without breaking or otherwisedamaging the cord fastener 102. For example, the body 116 may be formedfrom a single piece of plastic (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene,nylon, etc.) using an injection molding operation. In other embodiments,the body 116 may be stamped or otherwise formed from a piece of metal(e.g., aluminum, steel, etc.). In yet other embodiments, the body 116and/or clasp 118 may be formed from another suitably weatherproof anddurable material. In other embodiments, the clasp 118 may be separatepiece from the cord fastener 102 that is coupled to the cord fastener102.

As shown in FIGS. 4-6 , the body 116 includes a base wall 120 (e.g.,wall, upper wall, etc.) and a skirt 122 interconnected with and disposedalong an outer perimeter of the base wall 120. The skirt 122 (side wall)extends downward and away from the outer perimeter of the base wall 120in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the base wall120. The body 116 also includes or defines a through-hole opening 114disposed in the base wall 120 and extending through the base wall 120,between an upper and lower surface of the base wall 120. As shown inFIG. 5 , the base wall 120 and the skirt 122 together define a firstrecessed area 124 that is sized such that a lower portion of the clasp118 is contained fully or substantially fully within the first recessedarea 124. In other words, the skirt 122 protrudes axially relative to anaxis of the opening of the clasp 118, below a lower end 126 of the clasp118. Among other benefits, the skirt 122 protects the clasp 118 frombecoming damaged during use and/or in the event that the cord fastener102 is dropped. Additionally, the skirt 122 limits access to the clasp118 to prevent tampering and/or other interference that could loosen thepiece of line/netting from the clasp 118 during use.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the skirt 122 also includes a central partition 128(e.g., separating wall, etc.) at an intermediate position betweenopposing ends of the base wall 120 and in between openings in the basewall 120 (e.g., in between the through-hole opening 114 and the clasp118). The central partition 128 separates two recessed areas of the cordfastener 102, including the first recessed area 124 beneath the clasp118, and a second recessed area 130 beneath the through-hole opening114. The central partition 128 may provide rigidity and structuralsupport to the cord fastener 102.

As shown in FIGS. 4-5 , the clasp 118 is disposed along the base wall120, proximate to a first end (e.g., lateral end, etc.) of the base wall120, and is spaced apart from the through-hole opening 114. The clasp118 is configured to detachably (e.g., removably, etc.) couple the cord104 to the base wall 120 and to allow only substantially unidirectionalmovement of the cord 104 through the clasp 118 (see FIG. 3 ). Forexample, as shown in FIG. 5 , the clasp 118 is configured to allow thecord 104 to be pulled through the clasp 118 in a first axial direction115 (e.g., parallel to a central axis through the clasp 118, verticallydownwards in FIG. 5 , etc.), and to substantially prevent the cord 104from being pulled in a second axial direction 119 that is opposite tothe first axial direction 115 (e.g., vertically upwards in FIG. 5 ,etc.). In at least one embodiment, the cord fastener 102 may also beconfigured to permit loosening of the cord 104 by overcoming the gripforce of the clasp 118. In other words, a first force that is requiredto pull the cord 104 through the clasp 118 in the first axial direction115 may be less than a second force that is required to pull the cord104 through the clasp 118 in the second axial direction 119. The clasp118 may be designed such that the second force required to retract thecord 104 is greater than the force required to retain the piece of lineor netting to the support structure.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the clasp 118 defines an opening, shown as claspopening 132 that extends through the base wall 120. As shown in FIGS.4-5 , the clasp 118 includes or is formed from a plurality of fingers134 that extend at least partially radially inward toward a central axis136 of the clasp opening 132. The fingers 134 are extensions and/orstrips that are flexibly coupled to the base wall 120 such that an outerend (e.g., free end, second end, etc.) of each finger 134 can bendand/or flex relative to the base wall 120. The fingers 134 areapproximately equally spaced along the perimeter of the clasp opening132. As shown in FIG. 4 , the fingers 134 are tapered such that a widthof each finger 134 proximate to the base wall 120 (e.g., at a first endof each finger 134) is greater than the width of each finger 134proximate to the central axis 136 of the clasp opening 132 (e.g., at asecond end of each finger 134). Among other benefits, the tapered shapeof the fingers 134 reduces the contact area between the fingers 134 andthe cord 104, allowing the fingers 134 to bite or grab onto the cord 104to substantially prevent removal of the cord 104 from the cord fastener102.

As shown in FIG. 5 , each of the fingers 134 extends at an oblique angle140 relative to the central axis 136 of the clasp opening 132 such thatthe fingers 134 protrude below a lower surface of the base wall 120. Inone embodiment, each of the fingers 134 extends at an angle 140 within arange between approximately 35 and 55 degrees relative to the centralaxis 136. In another embodiment, the angle between at least one of thefingers 134 may be different. It will be appreciated that the size,shape, and/or number of fingers 134 may be different in variousembodiments. Among other benefits, the arrangement of fingers 134 withrespect to the base wall 120 resists movement of the cord 104 in thesecond axial direction 119. For example, as the cord 104 is drawnthrough the clasp 118 in the first axial direction 115, the second, freeend of the fingers 134 bend outwardly, increasing the size (e.g.,diameter) of the clasp opening 132 to accommodate the size of the cord104. In this regard, the opening defined by the tips of the fingers 134is relatively smaller than the size of the cord 104 such that insertionof the cord 104 through the opening causes the fingers 134 to deflect ormove away from each other to accommodate the size of the cord 104 toretain the cord 104 to the cord fastener 102. As the cord 104 is drawnthrough the clasp 118 in the second axial direction, the fingers 134latch (e.g., grab, dig into, bite, etc.) the cord 104, decreasing thesize of the clasp opening 132 and substantially preventing furthermovement of the cord 104 through the clasp 118. In other embodiments,the clasp 118 may include other interlocking features, besides or incombination with the fingers 134, to substantially prevent the cord 104from retracting out of the clasp 118 after insertion.

As shown in FIGS. 5-6 , the base wall 120 is shaped to accommodate asupport member shape and increase an area of contact between the cordfastener 102 and the support member. In the example shown, the base wall120 has a curved (e.g., arcuate, etc.) upper surface 142 and/or edgethat is configured to complement the shape of the support member. In theembodiment of FIGS. 5-6 , the upper surface 142 has a semi-circularshape (e.g., concave shape, etc.) that is configured to substantiallymatch the profile of a rounded (e.g., cylindrical, etc.) support member.As shown in FIG. 5 , a lowest point along the upper surface 142 isdisposed at an intermediate position (e.g., central position) betweenopposing ends of the base wall 120, and approximately halfway betweenthe through-hole opening 114 and the clasp opening 132. A lower end ofthe skirt 122 is shaped to substantially match the shape of the uppersurface 142. In other embodiments, the shape of the upper surface 142,skirt 122, and/or body 116 may be different.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-9 , installation of the cord fastener 102 ofFIGS. 3-6 onto a support frame 12 (to secure netting 10 to the supportframe 12) is depicted. As shown in FIG. 7 , the first end 117 of thecord 104 is engaged with the through-hole opening 114 in the cordfastener 102. The second, free end (e.g., second end 121) of the cord104 is then wrapped in a single loop around the support frame 12 andthrough a first channel in the netting 10. Next, the second end 121 ofthe cord 104 is pulled back toward the cord fastener 102 and alignedwith the clasp 118. The first end 117 of the cord 104 is then pressedthrough the clasp 118 (e.g., clasp opening) and into the recessed areaon the underside of the cord fastener 102. As shown in FIGS. 8-9 , afterengaging the cord 104 with the cord fastener 102, the second end 121 ispulled away from the cord fastener 102 to tighten the loop and draw thebuckle at the first end 117 into the recessed area. Once the buckle isfully engaged with the cord fastener 102, the second end 121 is pulledtight to engage the cord fastener 102 with the support frame 12, and tohold the netting 10 in place on the support frame 12.

Thus, the clasp prevents one end of the cord 104 from beingloosened/removed from the cord fastener 102 while the buckle 106prevents the other end of the cord 104 from being removed from the cordfastener 102. In one embodiment, the buckle 106 is attached to the endof the cord 104 after the end of the cord 104 has been pulled throughthe through-hole opening 114. As described above, the buckle 106 withthe cord 104 is of a relatively larger size (e.g., diameter) to preventthat end of the cord 104 from being pulled through the through-holeopening 114 in an opposite direction to the insertion direction. Thebuckle 106 may be a sheath, clasp, etc. that surrounds or substantiallysurrounds the end of the cord 104. In another embodiment, the cord 104may not couple to a buckle. Or, the end of the cord 104 with a cord end(e.g., plastic covering, etc.) may be of a relatively smaller size thanthe through-hole opening 114. In this case, the user may pull the endthrough the through-hole opening 114 and then tie a knot in the cord.The knot may then make the cord end to be of a size that prevents thecord from being pulled back through the through-hole opening 114 anddecoupled from the cord fastener. In another embodiment, cord fastener102 may come pre-attached to the cord such that the user does not needto pull the cord through the through-hole opening 114. For example, thecord may be welded or otherwise permanently joined to the end of thecord fastener 102. In this situation, the user simply pulls the otherend of the cord through the clasp 118 (e.g., the opening defined by theclasp 118) to secure the netting to the frame. Additional variations ofcoupling the cord 104 to the cord fastener 102 are described below.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-13 , various views of a cord fastener 202 thattogether with a piece of cord 204 forms a second cord fastener assembly200 are shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The cord fastener202 includes a second clasp 244 in the base wall 220 in place of athrough-hole opening (e.g., through-hole opening 114 of body 116 asshown in the embodiment of FIGS. 3-6 ). The second clasp 244 is spacedapart (e.g., radially) from the first clasp 218 along the base wall 220.Similar to the first clasp 218, the second clasp 244 is also configuredto detachably couple the cord 204 to the base wall 220. As shown inFIGS. 8-9 , the design of the second clasp 244 is substantially similarto the design of the first clasp 218 and includes a plurality of fingers234 that engage the cord 204 to substantially prevent the cord 204 fromretracting out of the second clasp 244 after insertion into the secondclasp 244. In other embodiments, the design of the first clasp 218 andthe second clasp 244 may be different. For example, the first clasp 218may be designed to have a greater holding force than the second clasp244, which may help with cord management (e.g., setting a length of thecord 204 to reduce slack at the second clasp 244, etc.) (e.g., thefingers of the first clasp 218 may be designed to have less flexioncapability, greater thickness and stiffness, etc. than those of thesecond clasp 244 thereby creating a stronger holding force from thefirst clasp than the second clasp).

As shown in FIGS. 14-16 , the second clasp 244 may be used to adjust thesize of the loop by pulling the second end 221 of the cord 204 throughthe second clasp 244. In this way, the size of the loop may be adjustedby pulling on the first end 217, the second end 221, or both ends of thecord 204 at the same time.

FIGS. 17-22 show yet another example embodiment of a cord fastener 302,which together with the cord 304 form a third cord fastener assembly300. Unlike the cord fastener embodiment of FIGS. 3-6 , the cordfastener 302 of FIGS. 17-22 includes a clasp 318 that is formedseparately from the body 316 and that is detachably coupled to the body316. In particular, the clasp 318 forms part of a connector 346 thatsnaps and/or clips into the body 316. Among other benefits, theconnector 346 provides a quick release mechanism that can be used todisconnect the cord fastener 302 from the support frame withoutrepositioning the cord 304 relative to the clasp 318. The connector 346may also eliminate the need to re-tension the cord fastener 302 duringinstallation (e.g., the tension of the cord fastener 302 is preset basedon the position of the cord 304 within the clasp 318).

As shown in FIGS. 19-20 , the body 316 includes a base wall 320 defininga first opening 317 and a recessed area 348 (e.g., depression, etc.)spaced apart (e.g., radially) from the first opening 317. The body 316also includes a third opening 350 disposed in the recessed area 348 andextending through the body 316. As shown, the third opening 350 isdisposed at a central position within the recessed area 348, insubstantially coaxial arrangement with the recessed area 348.

As shown in FIGS. 17-18 , the recessed area 348 is sized to receive theconnector 346 therein. An axial height of the recessed area 348, betweenan upper surface of the base wall 320 and the lower wall 354 isapproximately equal to an axial height of the connector 346 such that anupper surface of the connector 346 is approximately flush (i.e.,coplanar) with the upper surface of the body 316 when the connector 346is installed into the body 316. As shown in FIGS. 19 , the body 316 alsoincludes a circumferential lip 351 that is structured to interlock witha circumferential projection 352 (e.g., a rib, ledge, etc.) of theconnector 346 to detachably couple the connector 346 to the body 316(see also FIGS. 21-22 ). As shown in FIGS. 17-18 , the body 316 furtherincludes a plurality of axial slots 358 arranged along a perimeter ofthe recessed area 348 and structured to facilitate insertion of theconnector 346 into the recessed area 348 (e.g., to allow an outer wallof the body 316 to flex radially and snap onto the circumferentialprojection 352 of the connector 346). The size, number, and arrangementof slots 358 may be different in other embodiments.

As shown in FIGS. 21-22 , the clasp 318 is integrally formed with theconnector 346 from a single piece of material, and is similar in designto the clasp 118 and the first clasp 218 described with reference toFIGS. 3-6 and 10-13 , respectively. The clasp 318 is detachably coupledto the body 316 proximate to the third opening 350 and extends throughthe third opening 350 when the connector 346 is installed into the body316.

As utilized herein with respect to numerical ranges, the terms“approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms generallymean +/−10% of the disclosed values, unless specified otherwise. Asutilized herein with respect to structural features (e.g., to describeshape, size, orientation, direction, relative position, etc.), the terms“approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are meantto cover minor variations in structure that may result from, forexample, the manufacturing or assembly process and are intended to havea broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by thoseof ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of thisdisclosure pertains. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted asindicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications oralterations of the subject matter described and claimed are consideredto be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appendedclaims.

The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or movable (e.g.,removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the twomembers coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled toeach other using a separate intervening member and any additionalintermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two memberscoupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If“coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term(e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” providedabove is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term(e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without anyseparate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition thanthe generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may bemechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of variouselements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation ofvarious elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments,and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the presentdisclosure.

Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order ofmethod steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depictedand described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or moresteps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unlessspecified differently above.

The construction and arrangement of the elements of the cord fastenerassembly as shown in the example embodiments are illustrative only.Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have beendescribed in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosurewill readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g.,variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions ofthe various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, useof materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departingfrom the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited.For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed ofmultiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed orotherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements orpositions may be altered or varied.

What is claimed is:
 1. An assembly, comprising: a cord fastenercomprising: a body including a base wall; a clasp disposed on the basewall; and an opening disposed on the base wall and spaced apart from theclasp, the base wall having a curved surface between the clasp and theopening; and a cord detachably coupled to the cord fastener andextending through at least one of the clasp or the opening.
 2. Theassembly of claim 1, wherein the cord includes a first end extendingthrough the opening, and a second end insertable into the clasp, theclasp configured to allow the cord to be pulled through the clasp in afirst direction and to substantially prevent the cord from being pulledin a second direction opposite the first direction.
 3. The assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the curved surface is shaped to substantially match aprofile of a cylindrical support member.
 4. The assembly of claim 1,wherein the curved surface has a semi-circular shape.
 5. The assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the cord fastener further comprises a side walldisposed along a perimeter of the base wall and extending away from thebase wall in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to thebase wall.
 6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the clasp comprises aplurality of fingers.
 7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein at least oneof the plurality of fingers extends towards an opening of the clasp atan angle relative to the opening of the clasp.
 8. The assembly of claim1, wherein the clasp comprises a plurality of fingers, wherein at leastone finger of the plurality of fingers are movable.
 9. The assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the cord fastener further comprises a second clasp atthe opening, and wherein the second clasp is configured to substantiallyprevent the cord from being retracted through the second clasp.
 10. Acord fastener, comprising: a body including a wall having an arcuatesurface, the body defining an opening extending through the wall; and aclasp disposed along the wall and spaced apart from the opening, alowest point along the arcuate surface disposed between the opening andthe clasp, the opening configured to receive a first end of a cord, theclasp configured to receive a second end of the cord and tosubstantially prevent the cord from being retracted through the clasp.11. The cord fastener of claim 10, wherein the lowest point is disposedalong the wall approximately halfway between the opening and the clasp.12. The cord fastener of claim 10, wherein the body further comprises aside wall disposed along a perimeter of the wall and extending away fromthe wall in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to thewall.
 13. The cord fastener of claim 11, wherein the side wall protrudesbelow a radial innermost edge of the clasp.
 14. The cord fastener ofclaim 11, wherein the wall and the side wall together define a recessedarea, the clasp disposed within the recessed area.
 15. The cord fastenerof claim 11, wherein the body further comprises a partition extendingaway from the wall between the clasp and the opening, the side wall andthe partition together defining a first recessed area proximate to theclasp and a second recessed area proximate to the opening.
 16. The cordfastener of claim 15, wherein the clasp is disposed within the firstrecessed area and the opening is disposed within the second recessedarea.
 17. The cord fastener of claim 10, further comprising a secondclasp disposed at least partly within the opening.
 18. A cord fastenersystem, comprising: a cord having a first end, a second end, and an endpiece coupled to the first end; a cord fastener defining an arcuatesurface, the cord fastener comprising: a body defining an openingdisposed along the arcuate surface and sized to receive the cordtherein; and a clasp disposed along the arcuate surface and spaced apartfrom the opening, the clasp configured to receive the second end of thecord to detachably couple the cord to the cord fastener, and tosubstantially prevent the cord from retracting out of the clasp afterinsertion into the clasp.
 19. The cord fastener of claim 18, wherein theclasp comprises a plurality of fingers that extend radially inwardtoward a central axis of the clasp, and wherein the plurality of fingersare angled axially away from the arcuate surface.
 20. The cord fastenerof claim 18, wherein at least one finger of the plurality of fingers ismovable when engaged with a portion of the cord.